Keyhole Surgery by Michael Harvey MS FRCS

Keyhole
SurgeryLaparoscopic
or keyhole surgery is a well established, though still
relatively new technique that involves the surgeon
operating through tiny (often no more than 5 mm)
incisions. A telescope with a video camera is
introduced through one incision and operating
instruments are introduced through one or more other
incisions. The operation is performed by the surgeon
who watches the image on a television monitor.

The advantages of keyhole surgery are as a result of the
very small incisions used. This results in less discomfort,
quicker recovery and a much better cosmetic result.

Many operations in different surgical specialties can now
be performed using keyhole techniques. In general surgery a
number of operations have become routine. These include
operations for gallstones, groin and incisional hernia,
hiatus hernia causing reflux of acid , excessive sweating
and obesity.

All of these operations can of course still be performed by
open surgery which usually involves a much larger scar and
a longer recovery period. When making a decision as to
whether to undergo keyhole surgery it is very important to
ask your surgeon about his experience of the operation.
Laparoscopic surgery involves skills which not every
surgeon has and there is a very definite learning curve
involved for the surgeon.